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Vopak

Vopak
Vopak Terminal Ltd, Ipswich is a terminal facility which operates as a bulk liquid storage and distribution depot. Oil products, chemicals and vegetable oils arrive by both road and sea. The main mode of movement is discharge from ship (River Orwell) to storage tank through fixed pipe-work, and storage tank to road vehicle (Landseer Road) through road vehicle loading terminals.

Vopak Plan

The Vopak Off-site Plan is available to view as a pdf document.

(Please note that all plans published on this website are subject to certain conditions, one of which is that they will be reviewed at intervals and, if necessary rewritten in part or in whole. We will not necessarily indicate when a plan is under review, or is being rewritten. The published plan will be updated without notice when these procedures are complete.)

Risk

There is a risk from spillage of volatile flammables, either to the ground or into the river and the subsequent possibility of pool fires, flash fires due to vapour, or explosion. This may have implications for other substances stored on the site.

Alert and initial response

The Vopak Terminal Ipswich Ltd. on-site Emergency Plan has details of the hazards and action taken by staff. The alarm will be raised by the person discovering the incident, which will set of a chain of events to ensure that a 999 call is made and staff go to the Control Centre to:

  • Warn nearby companies;
  • Suspend site operations;
  • Move staff to safe areas and muster points;
  • Agree a response to discuss with the Emergency Services and Environment Agency;
  • Consider operating the off-site siren;
    • and
  • Consider activation of cooling sprays, quayside monitors and closure of valves to control run off.

Co-ordination of the emergency response at the scene

The Fire & Rescue Service have a predetermined attendance as part of their Vopak Emergency Plan. Following this plan and normal practice, they will take the lead at the scene and co-ordinate rescue and fire fighting activities.

The agreed Forward Control Post and Rendezvous Point is the roundabout at the north end of Holywells Road, unless the nature of the incident requires an alternative which will be agreed at the time by the Emergency Services.

Action by those working and living near the site

The advice is the same as in all chemical incidents:

Go in, Stay in, Tune in

Further information is contained on the Major Emergency Safety Card that is delivered to all businesses and homes within 300-600 metres of the site.

Evacuation

Evacuation would only be considered in exceptional circumstances, a decision that will be made by the Fire & Rescue and Police Incident Commanders and coordinated by the Police. The Police hold contact numbers for the Local Authorities (Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council) and will ask them to assist in the setting up of an Evacuation Centre or Rest Centre.

Support services

As required, each responding organisation will put in place arrangements to provide support for the personnel responding at the scene.

Opening of Gold Command

If the Fire & Rescue Service and Police feel that there is a need for a wider coordination of the incident a Gold Command would be established. There are established protocols for the operation of such a facility. As well as monitoring progress at the scene Gold Command would consider a joint response to issues such as media interest, pollution control, resource management and public information.

Pollution of Ipswich Docks

If the incident results in pollution of Ipswich Docks, Associated British Ports, Ipswich will be informed by Vopak and will instigate their counter-pollution measures. This may include gaining assistance under the arrangements of the Haven Oil Working Group.

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